Roads

Follow the rules of the road when riding on city streets. Be extra cautious at busy intersections. Look well ahead always scan intersections before crossing.

Sidewalks

Cycling on sidewalks may or may not be allowed in your community. Be sure you know the rules. Cyclists exiting private property, a driveway or an alley must yield to all road users.

Even if bikes are permitted, sidewalks present many hazards to cyclists, such as:

Pedestrians with pets and strollers

Sprinkler systems

Obstructions such as debris, open gates, planters and landscaping

Other cyclists, skateboarders, walkers and runners.

Crosswalks and Overpasses

Walk your bike on pedestrian crosswalks and overpasses. This gives you the right-of-way as a pedestrian. If you ride your bike across crosswalks and overpasses, you may not have the legal right-of-way.

Trails

Cycling is permitted on trails designed as bicycle routes. Always obey posted trail and park closures.

Parks

Some parks require cyclists to leave parks by closing time. Check with local police or park rangers.

Cyclists are required to obey the same road signs and traffic signals as motorists. If you allow children to ride in traffic, it’s important they understand all signals and markings they will encounter.

Signal

Requirement

Red Light

Come to a full stop. Remain stopped until the light turns green
unless otherwise permitted. (In some states, it is legal to turn right
on a red light.)

Yellow Light

Slow down and prepare to stop.

Green Light

Proceed if it is safe to do so.

Arrow

Proceed in the direction of the arrow.

Flashing Red Light

Come to a full stop and proceed when it is safe to do so.

Flashing Yellow Light

Proceed with caution. Yield to pedestrians.

Flashing Green Light

Proceed if safe to do so. Yield to vehicles and pedestrians already
in the intersection.

Flashing Green Arrow

Proceed in the direction of the arrow.

Sign

Requirement

Stop Sign

Come to a full stop. Do not proceed until safe to do so.

Yield Sign

Yield right-of-way to traffic not facing the sign and to pedestrians
in intersection or crosswalk.

Pedestrian Crosswalks

Watch for pedestrians. If Pedestrians are crossing, come to a full
stop.

Teens and Distractions

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